CN113676608B - Printing system, printing device, and terminal device - Google Patents

Printing system, printing device, and terminal device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CN113676608B
CN113676608B CN202110517603.9A CN202110517603A CN113676608B CN 113676608 B CN113676608 B CN 113676608B CN 202110517603 A CN202110517603 A CN 202110517603A CN 113676608 B CN113676608 B CN 113676608B
Authority
CN
China
Prior art keywords
data format
printing
data
print job
multifunction
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
CN202110517603.9A
Other languages
Chinese (zh)
Other versions
CN113676608A (en
Inventor
古田泰大
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Seiko Epson Corp
Original Assignee
Seiko Epson Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Seiko Epson Corp filed Critical Seiko Epson Corp
Publication of CN113676608A publication Critical patent/CN113676608A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CN113676608B publication Critical patent/CN113676608B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00347—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with another still picture apparatus, e.g. hybrid still picture apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1237—Print job management
    • G06F3/1244—Job translation or job parsing, e.g. page banding
    • G06F3/1247—Job translation or job parsing, e.g. page banding by conversion to printer ready format
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1202—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to achieve a particular effect
    • G06F3/1203—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management
    • G06F3/1205—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management resulting in increased flexibility in print job configuration, e.g. job settings, print requirements, job tickets
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1202—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to achieve a particular effect
    • G06F3/1203—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management
    • G06F3/1206—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management resulting in increased flexibility in input data format or job format or job type
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1202—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to achieve a particular effect
    • G06F3/1222—Increasing security of the print job
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1229—Printer resources management or printer maintenance, e.g. device status, power levels
    • G06F3/1232—Transmitting printer device capabilities, e.g. upon request or periodically
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1237—Print job management
    • G06F3/1238—Secure printing, e.g. user identification, user rights for device usage, unallowed content, blanking portions or fields of a page, releasing held jobs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1237—Print job management
    • G06F3/1253—Configuration of print job parameters, e.g. using UI at the client
    • G06F3/1254—Automatic configuration, e.g. by driver
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1237—Print job management
    • G06F3/1253—Configuration of print job parameters, e.g. using UI at the client
    • G06F3/1255—Settings incompatibility, e.g. constraints, user requirements vs. device capabilities
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1237—Print job management
    • G06F3/1267—Job repository, e.g. non-scheduled jobs, delay printing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00204—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
    • H04N1/00209—Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00352—Input means
    • H04N1/00392—Other manual input means, e.g. digitisers or writing tablets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00405—Output means
    • H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00405—Output means
    • H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
    • H04N1/00411—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus the display also being used for user input, e.g. touch screen
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/44—Secrecy systems
    • H04N1/4406—Restricting access, e.g. according to user identity
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1237—Print job management
    • G06F3/1244—Job translation or job parsing, e.g. page banding
    • G06F3/1248—Job translation or job parsing, e.g. page banding by printer language recognition, e.g. PDL, PCL, PDF
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/46—Interconnection of networks
    • H04L12/4641—Virtual LANs, VLANs, e.g. virtual private networks [VPN]

Abstract

The invention provides a printing system, a printing device and a terminal device, which can enable a user to print by any multifunctional device (1) even if the data formats of corresponding printing task data (1251) in a plurality of multifunctional devices (1) are different. In a printing system (1000), a terminal device (2) generates a plurality of print job data (1251) based on a data format list (123) and transmits the print job data to a first multifunction machine, the first multifunction machine stores the received print job data (1251), and when the first multifunction machine receives a print instruction from a user, the first multifunction machine performs printing based on the print job data (1251) in a data format corresponding to the first multifunction machine, and when the second multifunction machine receives the print instruction from the user, the second multifunction machine receives the print job data (1251) in the data format corresponding to the second multifunction machine from the first multifunction machine and performs printing based on the received print job data (1251).

Description

Printing system, printing device, and terminal device
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing apparatus, and a terminal apparatus.
Background
Conventionally, in a printing system having a plurality of printing apparatuses, a technique has been known in which a user can perform printing by an arbitrary printing apparatus. For example, patent document 1 discloses a technique of acquiring print job data from one printing apparatus and executing a printing process when the printing apparatus holds the print job data transmitted from the information processing apparatus and another printing apparatus different from the one printing apparatus executes printing in a printing system having a plurality of printing apparatuses.
However, patent document 1 does not consider that the data formats of the corresponding print job data are different among the plurality of printing apparatuses, and there is a possibility that even if a certain printing apparatus acquires print job data from another printing apparatus, printing cannot be executed.
Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2016-111461
Disclosure of Invention
One aspect to solve the above problem is a printing system including a plurality of printing apparatuses and a terminal apparatus capable of communicating with the plurality of printing apparatuses, wherein a second printing apparatus other than a first printing apparatus among the plurality of printing apparatuses transmits a data format of print job data corresponding to the second printing apparatus to the first printing apparatus, the first printing apparatus generates a data format list including the received data format corresponding to the second printing apparatus and transmits the generated data format list to the terminal apparatus, and the terminal apparatus determines the data format of a plurality of print job data to be generated based on the received data format list, and generating the print job data for each of the plurality of determined data formats, and transmitting the plurality of generated print job data to the first printing device, wherein the first printing device receives the plurality of print job data from the terminal device and stores the plurality of received print job data, and when the first printing device receives a print instruction from a user, the first printing device performs printing based on the print job data in the data format corresponding to the first printing device, and when the second printing device receives a print instruction from a user, the second printing device receives the print job data in the data format corresponding to the second printing device from the first printing device and performs printing based on the received print job data.
Another aspect of the present invention is a printing method performed by a plurality of printing apparatuses and a terminal apparatus capable of communicating with the plurality of printing apparatuses, wherein a second printing apparatus other than a first printing apparatus among the plurality of printing apparatuses transmits a data format of print job data corresponding to the second printing apparatus to the first printing apparatus, the first printing apparatus generates a data format list including the received data format corresponding to the second printing apparatus and transmits the generated data format list to the terminal apparatus, the terminal apparatus determines the data format of a plurality of print job data to be generated based on the received data format list, generates the print job data for each of the plurality of determined data formats, transmits the plurality of generated print job data to the first printing apparatus, the first printing apparatus receives the plurality of print job data from the terminal apparatus, stores the plurality of received print job data, instructs the terminal apparatus to receive the print job data corresponding to the second printing apparatus from the user, and receives the print job data corresponding to the first printing apparatus, and executes the print job data based on the received print job data, and the second printing apparatus receives the print job data corresponding to the print job data.
Another aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus including a printing apparatus communication unit capable of communicating with a terminal apparatus and another printing apparatus, a storage unit, and a printing apparatus control unit that receives a data format of print job data corresponding to the other printing apparatus from the other printing apparatus via the printing apparatus communication unit, generates a data format list including the received data format corresponding to the other printing apparatus and the received data format corresponding to the printing apparatus, transmits the generated data format list to the terminal apparatus via the printing apparatus communication unit, receives a plurality of print job data generated based on the data format list from the terminal apparatus via the printing apparatus communication unit, stores the received plurality of print job data in the storage unit, and when a print instruction is received from a user by the printing apparatus, performs printing based on the print job data in the data format corresponding to the printing apparatus, and when the print instruction is received by the other printing apparatus from the user, transmits the print job data corresponding to the other printing apparatus.
Another aspect of the present invention is a terminal device including a terminal communication unit that communicates with a first printing device that stores received print job data and a second printing device that can receive the print job data stored in the first printing device from the first printing device, and a terminal control unit that receives a data format list including a data format of the print job data corresponding to the first printing device and a data format of the data format corresponding to the second printing device from the first printing device via the terminal communication unit, determines the data formats of a plurality of print job data to be generated based on the received data format list, generates the print job data for each of the plurality of determined data formats, and transmits the plurality of generated print job data to the first printing device via the terminal communication unit.
Drawings
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a printing system.
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the multifunction device and the terminal device.
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data format list.
Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the multifunction device.
Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the printing system.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the driver execution unit.
Fig. 7 is a diagram for specifically explaining the data format determination process.
Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the multifunction device.
Fig. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining the data format determination processing.
Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data format list.
Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the pretreatment.
Detailed Description
First embodiment
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a printing system 1000.
As shown in fig. 1, the printing system 1000 includes four multifunction machines 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, and a terminal device 2. The multifunction device 1 corresponds to an example of a printing apparatus.
As shown in fig. 1, in the printing system 1000, 4 multifunction peripherals 1 and a terminal device 2 are connected to a network NW. The Network NW may be a Network constructed by Virtual lines such as VPN (Virtual Private Network) or may be a Network constructed by physical lines. The network NW may be a network constructed to include one or more intermediate network devices.
The printing system 1000 has a function of authenticating printing.
The authentication printing is a process in which the multifunction device 1 receives an operation related to user authentication from the user P, the multifunction device 1 performs user authentication based on the received operation related to user authentication, and if the user authentication is successful, the multifunction device that performs user authentication generates a printed matter based on a print job desired by the user P. Thus, the printing system 1000 can prevent the information printed on the printed matter from being leaked to other people by the multifunction peripheral 1 installed at a place remote from the user P, and executing the generation of the printed matter based on the print job desired by the user P.
One print job is a series of operations for generating one or more printed materials by printing. When a plurality of printed materials are generated, one print job refers to a series of operations for generating printed materials having the same print content. For example, when ten printed materials having the same content are generated, one print job is a series of operations for generating ten printed materials. In the following description, data for executing a print job is referred to as "print job data" and denoted by a "1251" symbol.
The multifunction peripheral 1 is called an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals), and is a device capable of executing various processes such as printing and scanning. The multifunction peripheral 1 executes various processes based on the print job data 1251 received from the terminal device 2, or based on an operation by the user P with respect to an input unit such as an operation switch or a touch panel provided in the multifunction peripheral 1.
When receiving the print job data 1251 generated by the terminal device 2 from the terminal device 2, the multifunction peripheral 1 stores the received print job data 1251 in the multifunction peripheral storage unit 120 described later. When the multifunction device 1 accepts an operation related to user authentication, the multifunction device performs user authentication based on the accepted operation related to user authentication. When the user authentication is successful, the multifunction printer 1 performs printing based on the print job data 1251 of the user P stored in the other multifunction printer 1. Alternatively, when the user authentication is successful, the multifunction device 1 performs printing based on the print job data 1251 of the user P stored in the multifunction device itself.
The terminal device 2 is a PC (Personal Computer). Although fig. 1 illustrates the terminal device 2 as being of a desktop type, it may be of a notebook type or a tablet type. The terminal device 2 generates print job data 1251, and transmits the generated print job data 1251 to the multifunction peripheral 1.
Although the case where the printing system 1000 includes 1 terminal device 2 is exemplified in the present embodiment, the number of terminal devices 2 included in the printing system 1000 is not limited to 1, and may be a plurality of terminal devices. The number of the multifunction devices 1 included in the printing system 1000 is not limited to 4, and may be more, or 2 or more.
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configurations of the multifunction device 1 and the terminal device 2.
First, the multifunction device 1 will be explained.
The multifunction device 1 includes: a multifunction printer control unit 10, a multifunction printer communication unit 11, a multifunction printer input unit 12, a multifunction printer display unit 13, a printing unit 14, a scanner unit 15, and an RIP (Raster Image Processor) device connection unit 16. The composite machine control section 10 corresponds to an example of a printing apparatus control section. The multifunction printer communication unit 11 corresponds to an example of a printing apparatus communication unit.
The multifunction peripheral control unit 10 includes a multifunction peripheral processor 110 and a multifunction peripheral storage unit 120 as processors for executing programs, such as a CPU and an MPU, and controls each unit of the multifunction peripheral 1. The multifunction printer storage unit 120 corresponds to an example of a storage unit. The multifunction peripheral control unit 10 executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software so that the multifunction peripheral processor 110 reads the control program 121 stored in the multifunction peripheral storage unit 120 and executes the processes.
The multifunction device storage unit 120 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the multifunction device processor 110 and data processed by the multifunction device processor 110. The multifunction device storage unit 120 stores a control program 121 executed by the multifunction device processor 110, associated Data format information 122, a Data format list 123, multifunction device identification information 124, a print job Data management DB (Data Base) 125, an authentication information DB126, and other various Data. The multifunction device storage unit 120 has a nonvolatile storage area for storing programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. The multifunction device storage unit 120 may include a volatile storage area, and may constitute a work area for temporarily storing a program executed by the multifunction device processor 110 and data to be processed.
The corresponding data format information 122 is information indicating a data format of one or a plurality of stored print job data 1251 corresponding to the multifunction peripheral 1.
In the present embodiment, one multifunction peripheral 1 is connected to a PDF (Portable Document Format), PS (PostScript), PWG-rater: lengthwise, PWG-Raster: horizontal length, JPEG: the lengthwise direction corresponds to one or more of the 6 data formats unique to the supplier.
PWG-Raster: lengthwise is a PWG-Raster form of data format in which the Raster image is arranged lengthwise.
PWG-Raster: the horizontal length is a data format of PWG-Raster format in which a Raster image is arranged horizontally.
JPEG (joint photographic experts group): vertically, the raster image is arranged vertically in a JPEG format.
The vendor uniquely indicates a data format defined by the vendor of the compound machine 1.
The data format shown in the corresponding data format information is not limited to the above six formats, and may include different types of data formats or may be smaller. That is, the data formats that can be supported by one multifunction device 1 are not limited to the above six formats, and may further include different types of data formats or may be fewer.
The data format list 123 is information indicating data formats corresponding to all the multifunction devices 1 included in the printing system 1000 in a list format.
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data format list 123.
The 1 record of the data format list 123 has a compound machine field F1 and a data format field F2.
The multifunction printer field F1 stores multifunction printer identification information 124 for identifying the multifunction printer 1 in the printing system 1000. The multifunction device identification information 124 includes, for example, information indicating the name of the multifunction device 1, information indicating the address of the multifunction device 1 on the network NW, and the serial number of the multifunction device 1.
The data format field F2 stores information indicating the data format corresponding to the multifunction printer 1 indicated by the multifunction printer field F1 corresponding to the same record.
In fig. 3, a record R1 indicates a record relating to the multifunction device 1A. The multifunction device field F1 of the record R1 stores multifunction device identification information 124 indicating the multifunction device 1A. In addition, the data format field F2 of the record R1 stores, as a data format corresponding to the multifunction device 1A, a data format indicating PWG-master: lengthwise, JPEG: longitudinal and vendor unique three data formats.
In fig. 3, a record R2 indicates a record related to the multifunction device 1B. The multifunction device field F1 of the record R2 stores multifunction device identification information 124 indicating the multifunction device 1B. In addition, the data format field F2 of the record R2 stores, as a data format corresponding to the multifunction device 1B, a data format indicating PWG-master: lengthwise, PWG-Raster: horizontal length and JPEG: information in three data formats is vertically long.
In fig. 3, a record R3 indicates a record related to the multifunction device 1C. The multifunction device field F1 of the record R3 stores multifunction device identification information 124 indicating the multifunction device 1C. In addition, the data format field F2 of the record R3 stores, as a data format corresponding to the multifunction device 1C, a data format indicating PWG-master: lengthwise, PWG-Raster: horizontal length, PDF and PS data format information.
In fig. 3, a record R4 indicates a record related to the multifunction device 1D. The multifunction device field F1 of the record R4 stores multifunction device identification information 124 indicating the multifunction device 1D. In addition, the data format field F2 of the record R4 stores information indicating two data formats, PDF and PS, as the data format corresponding to the multifunction device 1D.
Returning to the description of fig. 2, the print job data management DB125 is a database storing the print job data 1251.
The authentication information DB126 is a database that stores the authentication information NJ as a record. A piece of record stored in the authentication information DB126 has a combination of the user ID1252 and the password 1261. The user ID1252 corresponds to one example of user information.
The user ID1252 is identification information for identifying the user P in the authentication printing. A user ID1252 is assigned to each user P in advance.
The mfp communication unit 11 includes communication hardware conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with other mfps 1 and terminal devices 2 conforming to the predetermined communication standard under the control of the mfp control unit 10.
The multifunction peripheral input unit 12 includes input means such as operation switches and a touch panel provided in the multifunction peripheral 1, detects an operation of the input means by the user P, and outputs the detected operation to the multifunction peripheral control unit 10. The mfp control unit 10 executes processing corresponding to an operation on the input section based on an input from the mfp input unit 12. The multifunction printer input unit 12 includes an input section for inputting the authentication information NJ to the multifunction printer 1 by the user P. As an example of the input means, there is a card reader that reads an IC card or the like storing authentication information NJ of the user P. Note that the input method of the user P is not limited to this example, and for example, the user P may input the combination of the user ID1252 and the password 1261 as the authentication information NJ to the operation switch or the touch panel, or may input the authentication information NJ by fingerprint authentication. Although the combination of the user ID1252 and the password 1261 is exemplified as the authentication information NJ in the present embodiment, the authentication information NJ is not limited thereto, and may be information representing a fingerprint in the case of fingerprint authentication, for example.
The mfp display unit 13 includes a plurality of LEDs and a display panel, and performs, under the control of the mfp control unit 10, lighting on/off/blinking of the LEDs in a predetermined manner, display of information on the display panel, and the like.
The printing unit 14 includes an ink jet head that forms dots by ejecting ink onto a print medium, a carriage that scans the ink jet head in a scanning direction, a carriage drive motor that drives the carriage, a transport unit that transports the print medium, an ink supply unit that supplies ink to the ink jet head, and other components related to printing. The printing unit 14 performs printing on the printing medium by ejecting ink from nozzles of an inkjet head and forming dots on the printing surface of the conveyed printing medium under the control of the mfp control unit 10.
The scanner unit 15 includes a scanner or the like for reading characters and images recorded on a document. The scanner unit 15 reads recorded characters and images by irradiating a document with light emitted from a light source, for example, and outputs image data obtained by the reading to the multifunction peripheral control unit 10. The composite machine control unit 10 performs data processing such as RGB conversion and compression processing on the image data input from the scanner unit 15 to generate data in a predetermined format. Then, the multifunction device control unit 10 causes the multifunction device storage unit 120 to store the generated data of the predetermined format.
The RIP device connection unit 16 includes a mechanism for connecting the RIP device 3 that exclusively executes image processing. The RIP device 3 corresponds to one example of an image processing device. When the RIP device 3 is connected, the RIP device connection unit 16 acquires information indicating a data format that the RIP device 3 can support from the RIP device 3. Then, the RIP device connection unit 16 outputs information indicating that the RIP device 3 is connected and information indicating a data format that the RIP device 3 can support to the mfp control unit 10. The multifunction peripheral 1 connects the RIP device 3 to change the data format that can be handled, for example, to increase the data format of the print job data 1251 that can be handled.
Next, the terminal device 2 will be explained.
The terminal device 2 includes: a terminal control unit 20, a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal input unit 22, and a terminal display unit 23.
The terminal control unit 20 includes a terminal processor 210, which is a processor for executing programs, such as a CPU or an MPU, and a terminal storage unit 220, and controls each unit of the terminal device 2. The terminal control unit 20 executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software so that the terminal processor 210 reads the control program 221 stored in the terminal storage unit 220 and executes the processes. The terminal control unit 20 functions as an application execution unit 211 by the terminal processor 210 executing the application 222 stored in the terminal storage unit 220. The terminal control unit 20 functions as the driver execution unit 212 by the terminal processor 210 executing the printer driver 223 stored in the terminal storage unit 220.
The terminal storage unit 220 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the terminal processor 210 and data processed by the terminal processor 210. The terminal storage unit 220 stores a control program 221 executed by the terminal processor 210, an application program 222, a printer driver 223, a user ID1252, and other various data. The terminal storage unit 220 has a nonvolatile storage area for storing programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. The terminal storage unit 220 may include a volatile storage area, and may constitute a work area for temporarily storing a program executed by the terminal processor 210 and data to be processed.
The terminal communication unit 21 includes communication hardware conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the multifunction printer 1 under the control of the terminal control unit 20.
The terminal input unit 22 includes input means such as an operation switch, a touch panel, a mouse, and a keyboard provided in the terminal device 2, detects an operation of the input means by the user P, and outputs a detection result to the terminal control unit 20. The terminal control section 20 executes processing corresponding to an operation on the input unit based on an input from the terminal input section 22.
The terminal display unit 23 includes an LED, a display panel, and the like, and performs lighting/blinking/extinguishing of the LED in a predetermined manner, display of information on the display panel, and the like according to the control of the terminal control unit 20.
Next, the operation of the printing system 1000 will be described with reference to the application executing section 211 and the driver executing section 212.
First, the operation of the multifunction device 1 related to the update of the data format list 123 will be described. In addition, the update of the data format list 123 corresponds to one example of the generation of the data format list 123.
Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing system 1000. Fig. 4 shows operations of the plurality of multifunction devices 1 in the printing system 1000. In fig. 4, a flowchart FA shows an operation of the multifunction device 1 in which a trigger for starting an operation related to updating the data format list 123 has occurred, and a flowchart FB shows an operation of the multifunction device 1 other than the multifunction device 1.
In the description of fig. 4, the former multifunction peripheral 1 is exemplified by the multifunction peripheral 1A, and the latter multifunction peripheral 1 is exemplified by the multifunction peripherals 1B, 1C, and 1D.
When the start trigger occurs, the multifunction peripheral control unit 10 of the multifunction peripheral 1A transmits the corresponding data format information 122 stored in the multifunction peripheral storage unit 120 of the multifunction peripheral 1A to the multifunction peripherals 1B, 1C, and 1D via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11 (step SA 1). In step SA1, the multifunction peripheral control unit 10 of the multifunction peripheral 1A associates the corresponding data format information 122 with the multifunction peripheral identification information 124 of the multifunction peripheral 1A and transmits the information to the multifunction peripherals 1B, 1C, and 1D.
Further, an example of the start trigger includes turning on the power to the multifunction peripheral 1A, connecting the RIP device 3 to the multifunction peripheral 1A, and the like.
When the RIP device 3 is connected to execute the processing of step SA1, the corresponding data format information 122 transmitted in step SA1 also includes information indicating a data format that the multi-function peripheral 1A can correspond to by the RIP device 3.
When the mfp control unit 10 of the mfp 1B, 1C, or 1D receives the corresponding data format information 122 via the mfp communication unit 11 (step SB 1), it updates the data format list 123 stored in the mfp storage unit 120 on the basis of the received corresponding data format information 122 (step SB 2).
In step SB2, the multifunction printer control unit 10 of the multifunction printers 1B, 1C, and 1D updates the data format field F2 of the record R1 in the data format list 123 to the data format indicated by the corresponding data format information 122 received from the multifunction printer 1A.
When the corresponding data format information 122 is transmitted to the multifunction peripherals 1B, 1C, and 1D, the multifunction peripheral control unit 10 of the multifunction peripheral 1A transmits first request information requesting the corresponding data format information 122 to the multifunction peripherals 1B, 1C, and 1D via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11 (step SA 2).
When the multifunction peripheral control units 10 of the multifunction peripherals 1B, 1C, and 1D receive the first request information via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11 (step SB 3), the multifunction peripheral control unit transmits the corresponding data format information 122 stored in the multifunction peripheral storage unit 120 to the multifunction peripheral 1A (step SB 4).
When receiving the corresponding data format information 122 from each of the multifunction printers 1B, 1C, and 1D, the multifunction printer control unit 10 of the multifunction printer 1A updates the data format list 123 based on the received corresponding data format information 122 (step SA 4).
That is, the multifunction peripheral control unit 10 of the multifunction peripheral 1A updates the data format field F2 of the records R2, R3, and R4 in the data format list 123 to the data format indicated by the corresponding data format information 122 received from the multifunction peripherals 1B, 1C, and 1D, respectively.
Although the multifunction peripheral 1A is exemplified as the multifunction peripheral 1 in which the start trigger has occurred in the description of fig. 4, when the start trigger has occurred in each of the multifunction peripherals 1B, 1C, and 1D, the same operation as the multifunction peripheral 1A described in fig. 4 is performed.
Further, although the RIP device 3 is connected as an example of the start trigger, the start trigger may be installed in the mfp 1 instead of or together with the RIP device 3. The RIP software corresponds to one example of image processing software. When the start trigger includes that the RIP software is installed, the multifunction peripheral 1 may not include the RIP device connection unit 16 as the function unit.
As described above, when the start trigger occurs in one multifunction printer 1, all the multifunction printers 1 included in the printing system 100 update the data format list 123. Therefore, each time a start trigger occurs in one multifunction device 1, the data format list 123 stored in each multifunction device 1 is updated to accurate information.
Next, an operation of the printing system 1000 related to the authentication printing will be described.
In the description of the operation of the printing system 1000 related to the authentication printing, the operation related to the storage of the print job data 1251 performed by the multifunction peripheral 1 and the operation related to the printing based on the print job data 1251 performed by the multifunction peripheral 1 are separately described.
First, an operation related to storage of the print job data 1251 performed by the multifunction peripheral 1 will be described.
Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing system 1000. The flowchart FC shows the operation of the terminal apparatus 2, and the flowchart FD shows one operation of 1 multifunction device.
In the description of fig. 5, the multifunction peripheral 1A will be exemplified as the multifunction peripheral 1 that executes the operation of the flowchart FD.
The application execution section 211 of the terminal control section 20 generates image data of an image to be printed by the multifunction peripheral 1 in the authentication printing based on the operation of the terminal device 2 by the user P (step SC 1).
Next, the application execution unit 211 outputs the generated image data to the driver execution unit 212 (step SC 2).
The driver execution unit 212 transmits second request information requesting the data format list 123 to the multifunction peripheral 1A via the terminal communication unit 21 (step SC 3).
As shown in the flowchart FD, when the multifunction peripheral control unit 10 of the multifunction peripheral 1A receives the second request information via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11 (step SD 1), it transmits the data format list 123 stored in the multifunction peripheral storage unit 120 to the terminal device 2 (step SD 2).
As shown in the flowchart FC, the driver execution unit 212 executes the data format determination process (step SC 5) when receiving the data format list 123 via the terminal communication unit 21 (step SC 4).
The data format determination process is a process of determining the data format of the print job data 1251 to be generated from the received data format list 123.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the driver execution unit 212 in the data format determination process.
The driver execution unit 212 integrates the combinations of the data formats that are always associated in groups in the multifunction devices 1A to 1D in the printing system 1000 (step SC 51). Here, the summary means that the data format list 123 is processed so that the combination is processed as one object or treated as one object in the data format list 123.
In the following description, a combination of data formats corresponding to the multifunction machines 1A to 1D, that is, a combination of a plurality of data formats corresponding to all the devices of the multifunction machines 1 (1A to 1D) is always performed in a group manner, and is referred to as a "combined data format". The combined data format is predefined.
Next, the driver execution unit 212 refers to the data format list 123, and determines whether or not there is a multifunction peripheral 1 corresponding to only one combined data format or one data format among the multifunction peripherals 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D (step SC 52).
In the following description, a multifunction device 1 corresponding to only one combination data format or one data format will be referred to as a "first corresponding multifunction device", and a multifunction device corresponding to a data format corresponding to the first corresponding multifunction device and a data format other than the data format corresponding to the first corresponding multifunction device will be referred to as a "second corresponding multifunction device".
When determining that the first corresponding multifunction printer is present (yes in step SC 52), the driver execution unit 212 selects a data format from the data format list 123 (step SC 53).
Here, the processing of step SC53 is described in detail.
In step SC53, when the first multifunction peripheral is the multifunction peripheral 1 compatible with only one composite data format, the driver executing unit 212 selects any one of the plurality of data formats included in the one composite data format from the data format list 123.
In step SC53, when the first multifunction printer is the multifunction printer 1 compatible with only one data format, the driver executing unit 212 selects the one data format from the data format list 123.
Next, when the data format is selected in step SC3, the driver execution unit 212 deletes the data format corresponding to the first corresponding multifunction printer and the second corresponding multifunction printer from the data format list 123 (step SC 54).
Returning to the description of step SC52, when determining that the first corresponding multifunction printer is not present (no in step SC 52), the driver execution unit 212 determines whether at least one of the common maximum data format and the common maximum combined data format is present in the data format list 123 (step SC 55).
The common maximum data format is a data format to which the plurality of multifunction machines 11A to 1D correspond in common and the maximum multifunction machine 1 corresponds.
The common maximum combination data format is a combination data format to which a plurality of multifunction machines 1A to 1D correspond in common and which corresponds to the maximum multifunction machine 1.
When determining that at least one of the common maximum data format and the common maximum combined data format exists in the data format list 123 (yes in step SC 55), the driver execution unit 212 selects a data format from the data format list 123 (step SC 56).
Here, the processing of step SC56 is described in detail.
In step SC56, the driver executing unit 212 selects the common maximum data format from the data format list 123 when the common maximum data format exists in the data format list 123.
In step SC56, when the common most combined data format exists in the data format list 123, the driver execution unit 212 selects an arbitrary data format included in the common most combined data format from the data format list 123.
When the data format is selected in step SC56, the driver execution unit 212 selects the data format from the data format list
123 deletes data corresponding to the multifunction peripheral 1 corresponding to the data format selected in step SC56
Format (step SC 57).
When the processing of steps SC54 and SC57 is executed, the driver execution unit 212 determines whether or not a data format corresponding to the multifunction device 1 exists in the data format list 123 (step SC 58).
When determining that the data format is present in the data format list 123 (yes in step SC 58), the driver execution unit 212 returns the process to step SC51 and executes the processes after step SC51 again.
On the other hand, when determining that no data format exists in the data format list 123 (no in step SC 58), the driver execution unit 212 determines the data format selected from the data format list 123 in step S53 or step S56 as the data format of the print job data 1251 to be generated (step SC 59).
Returning to the explanation of step SC55, when determining that at least one of the common maximum data format and the common maximum combination data format is not present in the data format list 123 (no in step SC 55), the driver execution unit 212 selects all types of data formats from the data format list 123 (step SC 60).
Then, the driver execution unit 212 determines the data format selected from the data format list 123 as the data format of the print job data 1251 to be generated (step SC 59).
Here, the operation of fig. 6 will be specifically described with reference to fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram for specifically explaining the data format determination processing.
In fig. 7, a state J1 indicates a state of the data format list 123 when the terminal apparatus 2 receives in step SC 4. In addition, the data format list 123 of the state J1 shown in fig. 7 is the same as the data format list 123 of fig. 3.
The driver execution unit 212 summarizes the combined data format for the data format list 123 in the state J1. In fig. 7, the combination of PDF and PS is a combined data format. The driver execution unit 212 performs a collective process of the data format of PDF and the data format of PS as one combined data format on the data format list 123 in the state J1, thereby changing the state of the data format list 123 from the state J1 to the state J2.
Here, as is clear from the data format list 123 in the state J2 in fig. 7, the multifunction device 1D supports only the combined data format of the PDF and the PS. That is, the multifunction device 1D is a first multifunction device. Therefore, the driver execution unit 212 makes an affirmative determination at step SC52 in fig. 6, and selects either one of the PDF and PS data format from the data format list 123. In the following description of fig. 7, the driver execution unit 212 selects a PDF.
As is clear from the data format list 123 in the state J2, the multifunction device 1C matches the combined data format of PDF and PS with PWG-master: lengthwise and PWG-Raster: the transverse length corresponds to the transverse length. That is, the multifunction device 1C is a second multifunction device. Therefore, in step SC54 in fig. 6, the driver execution unit 212 deletes the list of data formats corresponding to the multi-functional peripheral 1C and the multi-functional peripheral 1D, and changes the state of the data format list 123 from the state J2 to the state J3.
As is clear from the data format list 123 in the state J3, the data format list 123 in the state J3 includes a list of data formats corresponding to the multifunction devices 1A and 1B. Therefore, the driver execution unit 212 makes an affirmative determination at step SC58, and executes the processing after step SC51 again for the data format list 123 in the state J3.
The driver execution unit 212 summarizes the combined data format for the data format list 123 in the state J3. In FIG. 7, PWG-Raster: lengthwise and JPEG: the combination of the lengths is a combined data format. The driver execution unit 212 stores, in the data format list 123 in the state J3, the PWG-master: vertical data format and JPEG: the vertically long data format is collectively processed as one combined data format, and the state of the data format list 123 is changed from the state J3 to the state J4.
As is clear from the data format list 123 in the state J4, the first corresponding multifunction printer is not present in the data format list 123 in the state J4. Therefore, the driver execution unit 212 makes a negative determination at step SC52, and determines whether or not at least one of the common maximum data format and the common maximum combination data format exists in the data format list 123. From the data format list 123 of state J4, it is clear that, in contrast to PWG-Raster: lengthwise and JPEG: the vertically corresponding combined data format is the common maximum combined data format. Therefore, the driver execution unit 212 makes an affirmative determination in step SC55, and selects PWG-rate from the data format list 123: lengthwise and JPEG: any one of the data formats in the lengthwise direction. In the following description of fig. 7, it is assumed that the driver execution unit 212 selects PWG-master: is elongated.
As is clear from the data format list 123 in the state J4, the multifunction devices 1A and 1B and the selected PWG-master: the longitudinal directions correspond to each other. Therefore, in step SC57 of fig. 6, the driver execution unit 212 deletes the data format corresponding to the multifunction peripheral 1A and the multifunction peripheral 1B, and changes the state of the data format list 123 from the state J4 to the state J5.
As is clear from the data format list 123 in the state J5, the data format list 123 in the state J5 does not include a list of data formats corresponding to any of the multifunction devices 1. Therefore, the driver execution unit 212 makes a negative determination at step SC58, and compares the PDF selected from the data format list 123 and the PWG-rater: the vertical column determines the data format of the print job data 1251 to be generated.
Returning to the explanation of fig. 5, when the data format determination process is executed, the driver execution unit 212 generates the print job data 1251 in the data format determined in the data format determination process (step SC 6). The print job data 1251 includes a user ID1252 stored in the terminal storage unit 220. For example, in the data format determination process, when the determination is PDF and PWG-master: in the case of vertical size, the driver execution unit 212 generates the print job data 1251 of PDF and PWG-rater: print job data 1251 in a vertical direction.
Next, when the print job data 1251 is generated, the driver execution unit 212 transmits the generated print job data 1251 to the multifunction peripheral 1A (step SC 7).
As shown in the flowchart FD, when the mfp control unit 10 of the mfp 1A receives the print job data 1251 via the mfp communication unit 11 (step SD 3), the received print job data 1251 is stored in the print job data management DB (step SD 4).
Although the multifunction peripheral 1A is illustrated as an example of the multifunction peripheral 1 that executes the operation of the flowchart FD in the description of fig. 5, any one of the multifunction peripherals 1B, 1C, and 1D executes the operation of the flowchart FD according to the multifunction peripheral 1 to which the terminal device 2 transmits the second request information.
Next, an operation related to printing based on the print job data 1251 performed by the multifunction peripheral 1 will be described.
Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the multifunction device 1.
The multifunction printer control unit 10 of the multifunction printer 1 determines whether or not the authentication information NJ is input through the multifunction printer input unit 12 (step SE 1).
When determining that the authentication information NJ is input (yes in step SE 1), the hybrid control unit 10 performs user authentication based on the input authentication information NJ (step SE 2).
The multifunction printer control unit 10 determines whether the user authentication has succeeded or failed (step SE 3). The multifunction device control unit 10 refers to the authentication information DB126, and determines whether or not the input authentication information NJ is stored in the authentication information DB126 as one record. The multifunction device control unit 10 determines that the user authentication has failed when it is determined that the user has not been stored, and determines that the user authentication has succeeded when it is determined that the user has been stored.
If the combination machine control unit 10 determines that the user authentication has failed (step SE3: "failed"), the present process is terminated.
On the other hand, when the multifunction peripheral control unit 10 determines that the user authentication has succeeded ("success" in step SE 3), it executes the print job list acquisition process (step SE 4).
The print job list acquisition process is a process of acquiring list information of print jobs of the user P who has succeeded in user authentication from all the multifunction devices 1 included in the printing system 1000. As an example of the list information of the print jobs, list information such as names of the print jobs may be listed.
In the print job list acquisition process, the multifunction peripheral control unit 10 determines whether or not the print job data 1251 having the user ID1252 for which the user authentication has succeeded is stored in the print job data management DB 125. When determining that the print job data 1251 having the user ID1252 for which the user authentication has succeeded is stored in the print job data management DB125, the combination machine controller 10 generates and acquires list information of the print jobs of the user P for which the user authentication has succeeded, based on the print job data 1251.
In the print job list acquisition process, the multifunction peripheral control unit 10 transmits third request information requesting list information of print jobs to the other multifunction peripheral 1 via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11. The third request information includes a user ID for which the user authentication is successful. Upon receiving the third request message, another multifunction peripheral 1 determines whether or not the print job data 1251 having the user ID1252 included in the third request message is stored in the print job data management DB 125. When it is determined that the print job data 1251 having the user ID1252 for which the user authentication has succeeded is stored in the print job data management DB125, the other multifunction peripheral 1 generates the list information of the print jobs of the user P for which the user authentication has succeeded based on the print job data 1251. Then, the other multifunction device 1 transmits the list information of the generated print jobs as a response to the third request information. In this way, the multifunction peripheral control unit 10 of the multifunction peripheral 1 that has transmitted the third request information acquires the list information of the print jobs of the user P whose user authentication has succeeded from the other multifunction peripheral 1.
When the print job list acquisition process is executed, the mfp control unit 10 displays the list information of the print jobs acquired in the print job list acquisition process on the mfp display unit 13 (step SE 5).
The mfp control unit 10 determines whether or not one print job is selected from the print jobs displayed in the list (step SE 6).
When determining that one print job is selected (step SE 6), the multifunction peripheral control unit 10 receives a print instruction from the user P based on the one print job and executes the data format list acquisition process (step SE 7).
The data format list acquisition process is a process of acquiring list information of the data format of the print job data 1251 from the multifunction peripheral 1 storing the print job data 1251 for the print job selected by the user P.
In the data format list acquisition process, when the mfp 1 stores the print job data 1251 of the print job selected by the user P, the mfp control unit 10 refers to the print job data management DB125 to specify the data formats of all the print job data 1251 having the user ID1252 with which the user authentication has succeeded. Then, the combination machine control unit 10 generates and acquires list information of the specified data format.
In the data format list acquisition process, when another mfp 1 stores the print job data 1251 of the print job selected by the user P, the mfp control unit 10 transmits fourth request information requesting list information of the data format. The fourth request information includes a user ID1252 for which user authentication is successful. The other multifunction peripheral 1 specifies the data format of all the print job data 1251 having the user ID1252 for which the user authentication has succeeded. Then, the other multifunction device 1 generates list information of the specified data format, and transmits the generated list information of the data format as a response to the fourth request information. In this way, the multifunction peripheral control unit 10 of the multifunction peripheral 1 that has transmitted the fourth request information acquires list information of the data format from another multifunction peripheral 1.
When executing the data format list acquisition process, the multifunction device control unit 10 selects one data format from the data formats of the print job data 1251 selected by the user P, based on the list information of the data formats acquired in the data format list acquisition process (step SE 8). For example, in step SE8, the multifunction device control unit 10 selects one data format in which the processing speed is not less than the predetermined speed.
Next, when one data format is selected in step SE8, the mfp control unit 10 executes the print job data acquisition process (step SE 9).
The print job data acquisition process is a process of acquiring the print job data 1251 of the print job selected by the user P and the print job data 1251 of the one data format selected in step SE8 from the multifunction peripheral 1 storing the print job data 1251.
In the print job data acquisition process, when the mfp control unit 10 stores the print job data 1251 of the print job selected by the user P and the print job data 1251 of the one data format selected in step SE8, the print job data 1251 is acquired from the print job data management DB 125.
In the print job data acquisition process, when another mfp 1 stores the print job data 1251 of the print job selected by the user P and the print job data 1251 of the one data format selected in step SE8, the mfp control unit 10 transmits fifth request information requesting the print job data 1251 to the other mfp 1. Upon receiving the fifth request message, the other multifunction peripheral 1 refers to the print job data management DB125, and transmits the print job data 1251 requested by the fifth request message as a response to the fifth request message. In this way, the multifunction peripheral 1 having transmitted the fifth request information acquires the print job data 1251 of the print job selected by the user P and the print job data 1251 of the one data format selected in step SE8 from the other multifunction peripheral 1.
When the print job data acquisition process is executed, the mfp control unit 10 causes the printing unit 14 to execute printing based on the print job data 1251 acquired in the print job data acquisition process (step SE 10).
Next, when the printing is executed, the mfp control unit 10 executes the print job data deleting process (step SE 11).
The print data deleting process is a process of deleting the print job data 1251 on which printing is executed from the print job data management DB.
When the multifunction peripheral 1 that has acquired the print job data 1251 in the print job data acquisition process is the multifunction peripheral 1 of its own, the multifunction peripheral control portion 10 deletes the executed print job data 1251 and the print job data 125 having only a data format different from that of the print job data 1251 from the print job data management DB 125.
When the multifunction peripheral 1 that has acquired the print job data 1251 in the print job data acquisition process is another multifunction peripheral 1, the multifunction peripheral control unit 10 transmits the sixth request information to the other multifunction peripheral 1. The sixth request message is a message requesting to delete the executed print job data 1251 and the print job data 125 having only a data format different from that of the print job data 1251 from the print job data management DB 125. Upon receiving the sixth request message, the other multifunction peripheral 1 deletes the print job data 1251 to be deleted in the sixth request message from the print job data management DB 125.
According to the above embodiment, the following effects are achieved.
The first multifunction machine and the second multifunction machine used in the following description of the effects are not designated as the specific multifunction machine 1. The first multifunction machine indicates any one of the multifunction machines 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D as the multifunction machine 1, and the second multifunction machine indicates a multifunction machine 1 other than the one multifunction machine 1. The first multifunction printer corresponds to an example of a first printing apparatus, and the second multifunction printer corresponds to a second printing apparatus and an example of another printing apparatus.
The printing system 1000 includes a plurality of multifunction devices 1 and a terminal device 2.
The second multifunction device transmits the data format of the print job data 1251 corresponding to the second multifunction device to the first multifunction device. The first multifunction machine generates the data format list 123 including the received data format corresponding to the second multifunction machine and the data format corresponding to itself, and transmits the generated data format list 123 to the terminal apparatus 2. The terminal device 2 determines the data format of the plurality of generated print job data 1251 based on the received data format list 123, generates the print job data 1251 for each of the plurality of determined data formats, and transmits the plurality of generated print job data 1251 to the first multifunction peripheral. The first multifunction peripheral receives the plurality of print job data 1251 from the terminal device 2, stores the plurality of received print job data 1251, and when it receives a print instruction from the user P, it performs printing based on the print job data 1251 in the data format corresponding to itself. When the second multifunction peripheral receives a print instruction from the user P, the second multifunction peripheral receives the print job data 1251 in the data format corresponding to the second multifunction peripheral from the first multifunction peripheral and performs printing based on the received print job data 1251.
In the printing method performed by the plurality of multifunction printers 1 and the terminal device 2, the second multifunction printer transmits the data format of the print job data 1251 corresponding to the second multifunction printer to the first multifunction printer, and the first multifunction printer generates the data format list 123 including the received data format corresponding to the second multifunction printer and the data format corresponding to the first multifunction printer and transmits the generated data format list 123 to the terminal device 2. In the printing method, the terminal device 2 determines the data format of the plurality of generated print job data 1251 based on the received data format list 123, generates the print job data 1251 for each of the plurality of determined data formats, and transmits the plurality of generated print job data 1251 to the first multifunction peripheral. In the printing method, the first multifunction peripheral receives the plurality of print job data 1251 from the terminal device 2, stores the plurality of received print job data 1251, and when receiving a print instruction from the user P, performs printing based on the print job data 1251 in the data format corresponding to itself. In the printing method, when the second multifunction peripheral receives a print instruction from the user P, the second multifunction peripheral receives the print job data 1251 in the data format corresponding to the second multifunction peripheral from the first multifunction peripheral and executes printing based on the received print job data 1251.
Further, the first multifunction printer includes: a multifunction printer communication unit 11, a multifunction printer storage unit 120, and a multifunction printer control unit 10. The mfp control unit 10 receives the data format of the print job data 1251 corresponding to the second mfp from the second mfp via the mfp communication unit 11. The multifunction peripheral control unit 10 generates a data format list 123 including the received data format corresponding to the second multifunction peripheral and the received data format corresponding to the first multifunction peripheral, and transmits the generated data format list 123 to the terminal device 2 via the multifunction peripheral communication unit 11. The mfp controller 10 receives a plurality of print job data 1251 generated based on the data format list 123 from the terminal device 2 via the mfp communication unit 11, and stores the plurality of received print job data 1251 in the mfp storage unit 120. The multifunction peripheral control unit 10 executes printing based on the print job data 1251 in the data format corresponding to itself when it receives a print instruction from the user P, and transmits the print job data 1251 in the data format corresponding to the second multifunction peripheral when it receives a print instruction from the user P.
The terminal device 2 includes a terminal communication unit 21 and a terminal control unit 20, and the terminal communication unit 21 communicates with the first multifunction printer and the second multifunction printer. The terminal control unit 20 receives the data format list 123 including the data format of the print job data 1251 corresponding to the first multifunction printer and the data format corresponding to the second multifunction printer from the first multifunction printer via the terminal communication unit 21. The terminal control unit 20 determines the data format of the plurality of generated print job data 1251 based on the received data format list 123, generates the print job data 1251 for each of the plurality of determined data formats, and transmits the plurality of generated print job data 1251 to the first multifunction peripheral via the terminal communication unit 21.
With the printing system 1000, the printing method, the first multifunction peripheral, and the terminal apparatus 2, when any one of the first multifunction peripheral and the second multifunction peripheral accepts a printing instruction from the user P, printing can be executed based on the print job data 1251 in the data format corresponding to the first multifunction peripheral or the second multifunction peripheral. Therefore, even when the data formats of the corresponding print job data 1251 are different among the plurality of multifunction peripherals 1, the user P can perform printing by any of the multifunction peripherals 1.
The first multifunction machine and the second multifunction machine can perform at least one of installation of RIP software and connection to the RIP device 3. The data format corresponding to the first multifunction machine and the data format corresponding to the second multifunction machine include a data format of at least one of the installed RIP software and the connected RIP device 3.
With this configuration, the multifunction peripheral 1 can perform printing based on the print job data 1251 in the data format corresponding to the installed RIP software and/or the connected RIP device 3. Therefore, even when the data format corresponding to the multifunction peripheral 1 is changed by installing the RIP software and/or connecting the RIP device 3, the user P can perform printing by any multifunction peripheral 1.
The second multifunction device transmits a data format corresponding to itself to the first multifunction device at least one of at the time of startup, at the time of installation of RIP software, and at the time of connection of the RIP apparatus 3. The first compound machine generates a data format list 123 including the received data format corresponding to the second compound machine and the data format corresponding to itself.
With this configuration, since the data format list 123 generated by the first multifunction printer can be updated to information as accurate as possible, the user P can more reliably perform printing by any of the multifunction printers 1 even when the data format corresponding to the multifunction printer 1 is changed by the installation of the RIP software and/or the connection of the RIP device 3.
Print job data 1251 includes user ID1252. When the first multifunction device accepts a print instruction from the user P after the user authentication is successful, the first multifunction device performs printing based on the print job data 1251 including the user ID1252 of the user P whose user authentication is successful and the print job data 1251 in the data format corresponding to the first multifunction device itself. When the second multifunction device accepts a print instruction from the user P after the user authentication is successful, the second multifunction device receives print job data 1251 including the user ID1252 of the user P whose user authentication is successful and print job data 1251 in a data format corresponding to the second multifunction device from the first multifunction device.
According to this configuration, since the first multifunction device and the second multifunction device can execute printing of the print job data 1251 based on the user P who has succeeded in user authentication, it is possible to prevent the user P from occurring a situation in which printing of the print job data 1251 is performed based on a person other than the user P. Therefore, security for the print job data 1251 can be improved.
The terminal device 2 selects a data format from the data format list 123 so that the data format corresponding to the first multifunction printer and the data format corresponding to the second multifunction printer each include at least one data format and so that the number of selections is equal to or less than the number of the plurality of multifunction printers 1 included in the printing system 1000. Then, the terminal device 2 determines the selected data format as the data format of the print job data 1251 to be generated.
With this configuration, the number of print job data 1251 having different data formats can be prevented from becoming an unnecessarily large number in addition to the print job data 1251 generated by the terminal device 2 corresponding to the data formats of all the multifunction peripherals 1 included in the printing system 1000. Therefore, while the user P can print by any of the multifunction printers 1, the amount of communication in the printing system 1000 and the storage capacity required for the first multifunction printer to store the print job data 1251 can be reduced.
When there is a first corresponding multifunctional apparatus corresponding only to the combined data format among the plurality of multifunctional apparatuses 1, the terminal apparatus 2 selects any one of the data formats included in the combined data format. In addition, when there is a second corresponding multi-functional peripheral corresponding to the combined data format and a data format other than the combined data format among the multi-functional peripheral 1, the terminal device 2 does not select a data format other than the combined data format among the data formats corresponding to the second corresponding multi-functional peripheral.
With this configuration, the number of print job data 1251 having different data formats can be reduced to the number of multifunction machines 1 included in the printing system 1000 or less, in addition to the print job data 1251 generated by the terminal device 2 corresponding to the data formats of all the multifunction machines 1 included in the printing system 1000. Therefore, while the user P can print by any of the multifunction printers 1, the amount of communication in the printing system 1000 and the storage capacity required for the first multifunction printer to store the print job data 1251 can be more reliably reduced.
When there is a first corresponding multifunctional apparatus corresponding to only one data format among the plurality of multifunctional apparatuses 1, the terminal apparatus 2 selects the one data format. Then, when there is a second corresponding multifunctional apparatus corresponding to the one data format and a data format other than the one data format among the plurality of multifunctional apparatuses 1, the terminal apparatus 2 does not select a data format other than the one data format among the data formats corresponding to the second corresponding multifunctional apparatus.
With this configuration, the number of print job data 1251 having different data formats can be reduced to the number of multifunction machines 1 included in the printing system 1000 or less, in addition to the data formats of all the multifunction machines 1 included in the printing system 1000, by making the print job data 1251 generated by the terminal device 2 correspond to each other. Therefore, while the user P can print by any of the multifunction printers 1, the amount of communication in the printing system 1000 and the storage capacity required for the first multifunction printer to store the print job data 1251 can be more reliably reduced.
When there is a multi-functional peripheral 1 corresponding to the same data format as that of the other multi-functional peripheral 1 among the plurality of multi-functional peripheral 1, the terminal device 2 selects only the data format corresponding to the other multi-functional peripheral 1 among the data formats corresponding to the multi-functional peripheral 1.
With this configuration, the number of print job data 1251 having different data formats can be reduced to the number of multifunction machines 1 included in the printing system 1000 or less, in addition to the print job data 1251 generated by the terminal device 2 corresponding to the data formats of all the multifunction machines 1 included in the printing system 1000. Therefore, while the user P can perform printing by any of the multifunction printers 1, the amount of communication in the printing system 1000 and the storage capacity required for the first multifunction printer to store the print job data 1251 can be more reliably reduced.
Second embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be explained.
In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those of the multifunction peripheral 1 and the terminal device 2 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the contents of the data format list 123 stored in each multifunction device 1. The data format list 123 according to the first embodiment is a list showing all data formats corresponding to the multifunction device 1 for each multifunction device 1. The data format list 123 according to the second embodiment is a list showing all data formats that can be processed by the multifunction device 1 at a predetermined processing speed or higher for each multifunction device 1. The data format is previously defined for each multifunction device 1.
The driver execution unit 212 according to the second embodiment refers to the data format list 123 and executes the data format determination process shown in fig. 6.
Here, the second embodiment will be specifically described with reference to fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining the data format determination processing in the second embodiment.
In fig. 9, a state J6 shows a state of the data format list 123 when the terminal apparatus 2 receives in step SC 4. The data format list 123 in the state J6 in fig. 9 is a list showing all data formats of the print job data 1251 that can be processed at a predetermined processing speed or higher for each multifunction peripheral 1.
The driver execution unit 212 summarizes the combined data format for the data format list 123 in the state J6. In fig. 9, the combination of PDF and PS is a combined data format. The driver execution unit 212 sets the PDF and PS as the combined data format for the data format list 123 in the state J6, and changes the state of the data format list 123 from the state J6 to the state J7.
As is clear from the data format list 123 in the state J7, the multifunction device 1D corresponds to only the combined data format of the PDF and the PS. Therefore, the driver execution unit 212 selects either one of the PDF and PS data format from the data format list 123.
Further, as is clear from the data format list 123 in the state J7, the multifunction printer 1A is unique only to the vendor. Therefore, the driver executing section 212 selects vendor uniqueness from the data format list 123.
In the following description of fig. 9, the driver execution unit 212 is assumed to select the PDF and vendor unique information.
As is clear from the data format list 123 in the state J7, the multifunction device 1C corresponds to the combined data format of PDF and PS, PWG-Raster: is elongated. Therefore, at step SC54 in fig. 6, the driver executing unit 212 deletes the data format corresponding to the multifunctional apparatus 1A, 1C, or 1D from the data format list 123, and changes the state of the data format list 123 from the state J7 to the state J8.
As is clear from the data format list 123 in the state J8, the data format list 123 in the state J8 includes a list of data formats corresponding to the multifunction peripheral 1B. Therefore, the driver execution unit 212 makes an affirmative determination at step SC58, and executes the processing at step SC51 again for the data format list 123 in the state J8.
The driver execution unit 212 summarizes the combined data format for the data format list 123 in the state J8. In FIG. 9, PWG-Raster: lengthwise and JPEG: the combination of the lengths is a combined data format. The driver execution unit 212 stores, in the data format list 123 in the state J8, the PWG-master: lengthwise and JPEG: the state of the data format list 123 is changed from the state J8 to the state J9 by summarizing the vertical size as the combined data format.
As is clear from the data format list 123 in the state J9, in the data format list 123 in the state J9, the multifunction peripheral 1B corresponds to only the PWG-master: lengthwise and JPEG: a vertically long combined data format. Accordingly, the driver execution section 212 selects PWG-master: lengthwise and JPEG: any one of the data formats in the lengthwise direction. In the following description of fig. 9, the driver execution unit 212 selects PWG-master: is elongated.
The PWG-master is selected in the data format list 123 of the state J9: in the case of the vertical size, the driver execution unit 212 deletes the data format corresponding to the multifunction peripheral 1B at step SC57 in fig. 6, and changes the state of the data format list 123 from the state J9 to the state J10.
As is clear from the data format list 123 in the state J10, the data format list 123 in the state J10 does not include any list of data formats of the multifunction peripheral 1. Therefore, the driver execution section 212 makes a negative determination in step SC58, and compares the selected vendor unique, PDF, and PWG-master: the vertical length is determined as the data format of the print job data 1251 to be generated.
According to the second embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.
The data format list 123 according to the second embodiment is a list of data formats that can be processed at a predetermined processing speed or higher by each of the plurality of multifunction devices 1.
With this configuration, even when the data formats of the corresponding print job data 1251 are different among the plurality of multifunction peripherals 1, the user P can perform printing by any of the multifunction peripherals 1 and can prevent a decrease in the printing speed of any of the multifunction peripherals 1.
Third embodiment
Next, a third embodiment will be explained.
In the description of the third embodiment, the same components as those of the multifunction peripheral 1 and the terminal device 2 according to the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in the data format list 123 stored in each multifunctional apparatus 1. In the third embodiment, compared with the first and second embodiments, the terminal device 2 performs preprocessing on the data format list 123 before the data format determination processing.
Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data format list 123 according to the third embodiment.
The 1 record in the data format list 123 according to the third embodiment has a multifunction machine field F1, a priority order field F3, and a data format field F2.
The priority order field F3 stores information indicating the order of the data format that can be processed at high speed in the data format corresponding to the multifunction peripheral 1. In the present embodiment, the smaller the value indicating the rank is, the higher the data format that can be processed by the multifunction peripheral 1 at high speed.
In fig. 10, a record R1 indicates a record R relating to the multifunction device 1A. The priority order field F3 of the record R1 stores information indicating the order of the first order unique to the supplier, and stores information indicating the order of the first order for PWG-master: vertical length and JPEG: the vertical length indicates the information of the order of the second bit at the same rate.
In fig. 10, a record R2 indicates a record R relating to the multifunction device 1B. The precedence field F3 of record R2 stores for PWG-Raster: vertical length and JPEG: the length long represents information of the order of the first bit, and stores for PWG-master: the horizontal length indicates the second order information.
In fig. 10, record R3 represents record R relating to the multifunction peripheral 1C. The priority field F3 of record R3 stores for PWG-Raster: the length long represents information of the order of the first bit, and stores for PWG-master: the horizontal length indicates the information of the order of the second bit, and the information of the order of the third bit at the same ratio for PDF and PS is stored.
In fig. 10, a record R4 indicates a record R relating to the multifunction device 1D. The priority order field F3 of the record R4 stores information indicating the order of the first bit at the same ratio for PDF and PS.
The driver execution unit 212 according to the third embodiment performs preprocessing on the data format list 123 received from the multifunction peripheral 1 before executing the data format determination processing shown in fig. 6.
Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the pretreatment.
In fig. 11, a state J11 shows a state of the data format list 123 when the terminal device receives the data format list 123 from the multifunction peripheral 1. The data format list 123 of the state J11 shown in fig. 11 exemplifies the data format list 123 shown in fig. 10.
In the previous processing, the driver execution unit 212 deletes the list of data formats that the printer driver 223 does not correspond to, from the data format list 123 in the state J11. In the example of fig. 11, it is assumed that the printer driver 223 does not correspond exclusively to the vendor. Therefore, the driver executing section 212 deletes the data format unique to the vendor from the data format list 123 in the state J11, and changes the state of the data format list 123 from the state J11 to the state J12.
Next, the driver execution unit 212 deletes, for each multifunction peripheral 1, a data format other than the data format having the highest priority from the data format list 123 in which the list of data formats not corresponding to the printer driver 223 is deleted. Thus, the driver execution unit 212 changes the state of the data format list 123 from the state J12 to the state J13.
In this way, the driver execution unit 212 ends the preprocessing.
The driver execution unit 212 according to the third embodiment executes the data format determination process shown in fig. 6 for the data format list 123 in which the preprocessing has been executed and the state has changed.
According to the third embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments are achieved.
Further, in the third embodiment, the driver execution unit 212 deletes the data format which does not correspond to the printer driver 223 from the data format list 123, and deletes the data format other than the data format having the highest priority. Thus, the driver execution unit 212 can determine the data format of the print job data 1251 that can be reliably generated in the data format determination process and can prevent a decrease in the printing speed of the multifunction peripheral 1. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, even when the data formats of the print job data 1251 corresponding to the plurality of multifunction peripherals 1 are different from each other, the user P can perform printing reliably by any of the multifunction peripherals 1, and a decrease in the printing speed in any of the multifunction peripherals 1 can be prevented.
The above embodiments are only one embodiment of the present invention, and can be modified and applied arbitrarily within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the above embodiments, the serial inkjet method is exemplified as the printing method of the multifunction printer 1, but one printing method of the multifunction printer may be a line inkjet method. Further, one printing method of the multifunction printer is not limited to the inkjet method, and other printing methods may be used. Although the multifunction peripheral 1 is illustrated as an example of a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus is not limited to the multifunction peripheral 1, and may be a printing apparatus such as a printer that does not have a scanner function. The multifunction device 1 may also have various functions such as a facsimile function.
The functions of the multifunction device control unit 10 and the terminal control unit 20 may be realized by a plurality of processors or semiconductor chips.
Note that each part shown in fig. 2 is an example, and a specific implementation form is not particularly limited. That is, it is not always necessary to install hardware individually corresponding to each unit, and it is needless to say that a single processor may execute a program to realize the functions of each unit. In the above-described embodiments, a part of the functions realized by software may be realized by hardware, or a part of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software. The specific details of the other parts of the multifunction device 1 and the terminal device 2 may be changed arbitrarily without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, the step units of the operations shown in fig. 4, 5, 6, and 8 are units divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operations of the respective devices of the printing system 1000, and the present invention is not limited by the dividing method and name of the processing unit. The processing may be further divided into more step units according to the processing content. Further, the division may be performed such that one step unit further includes more processes. In addition, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed within a range not to interfere with the gist of the present invention.
Description of the symbols
1. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D … multi-function peripheral (printing apparatus); 2 … terminal device; a 3 … RIP apparatus (image processing apparatus); a 10 … multifunction machine control section (printing apparatus control section); 11 … a multifunction machine communication section (printing device communication section); 12 … multifunction machine input section; 13 … multi-function machine display; 14 … printing; 15 …;16 … RIP device connection; 20 … terminal control section; 21 … terminal communication section; 22 … terminal input section; 23 … terminal display section; 110 … multifunction machine processor; a 120 … multifunction machine storage section (storage section); 121 … control program; 122 … corresponds to data format information; 123 … data format list; 124 … compound machine identification information; 125 … print job data management DB;126 … authentication information DB;210 … terminal processor; 211 … application program execution section; 212 … driver execution section; 220 … terminal storage section; 221 … control program; 222 … application; 223 … printer driver; 1000 … printing system; 1251 … print job data; 1252 … user ID (user information); 1261 …; NJ … authentication information; an NW … network; p … user.

Claims (11)

1. A printing system having a first printing apparatus, a second printing apparatus, and a terminal apparatus capable of communicating with the first printing apparatus,
the second printing device transmits the data format of the print job data corresponding to itself to the first printing device,
the first printing apparatus generating a data format list including the received data format corresponding to the second printing apparatus and the data format corresponding to itself and transmitting the generated data format list to the terminal apparatus,
the terminal device determines the data format of the plurality of print job data to be generated based on the received data format list, generates the print job data for each of the plurality of determined data formats, and transmits the plurality of generated print job data to the first printing device,
the first printing device receives a plurality of print job data from the terminal device, stores the plurality of received print job data, and executes printing based on the print job data in the data format corresponding to the first printing device when the first printing device receives a print instruction from a user,
when the second printing device receives a print instruction from a user, the second printing device receives the print job data in the data format corresponding to the second printing device from the first printing device, and executes printing based on the received print job data.
2. The printing system of claim 1,
the first printing device and the second printing device are capable of at least one of installing image processing software and connecting the image processing devices,
the data format corresponding to the first printing apparatus and the data format corresponding to the second printing apparatus include the data format that can be processed by at least any one of the installed image processing software and the connected image processing apparatus.
3. The printing system of claim 2,
the second printing apparatus transmits the data format corresponding to the second printing apparatus to the first printing apparatus at least one of at the time of startup, at the time of installation of the image processing software, and at the time of connection of the image processing apparatus,
the first printing device generates the data format list including the received data format corresponding to the second printing device and the data format corresponding to the first printing device.
4. The printing system of any of claims 1 to 3,
the print job data includes user information associated with a user,
the first printing device, when accepting a printing instruction from a user after successful user authentication, executes printing based on the print job data including the user information of the user who has succeeded in user authentication and the print job data in the data format corresponding to the first printing device,
the second printing device receives, from the first printing device, the print job data including the user information of the user whose user authentication has succeeded and the print job data in the data format corresponding to the second printing device, when the second printing device accepts a print instruction from the user after the user authentication has succeeded.
5. The printing system of claim 1,
the terminal device selects the data format from the data format list so that the data format corresponding to the first printing device and the data format corresponding to the second printing device each include at least one and so that the number of selections of the data format is equal to or less than the number of the plurality of printing devices included in the printing system,
determining the selected data format as the data format of the print job data to be generated.
6. The printing system of claim 5,
the terminal device selects any one of the data formats included in a predetermined combination from among the plurality of data formats included in the predetermined combination when there is a printing device corresponding to only the plurality of data formats that become the predetermined combination among the plurality of printing devices,
when there is a printing apparatus corresponding to the predetermined combination and the data format other than the predetermined combination among the plurality of printing apparatuses, the data format other than the predetermined combination among the data formats corresponding to the printing apparatus is not selected.
7. The printing system of claim 5 or 6,
the terminal device selects one of the data formats when a printing device corresponding to only the one data format exists among the plurality of printing devices,
when there is a printing apparatus corresponding to the one of the data formats and the data format other than the one of the data formats, among the plurality of printing apparatuses, the data format other than the one of the data formats corresponding to the printing apparatus is not selected.
8. The printing system of claim 5,
when a printing apparatus corresponding to the data format identical to the data format corresponding to another printing apparatus exists among the plurality of printing apparatuses, the terminal apparatus selects only the data format identical to the data format corresponding to the another printing apparatus among the data formats corresponding to the printing apparatus.
9. The printing system of claim 1,
the data format list is a list of the data formats that the plurality of printing devices can process at or above a predetermined processing speed.
10. A printing apparatus includes a printing apparatus communication unit capable of communicating with a terminal apparatus and other printing apparatuses,
the printing device control part
Receiving a data format of print job data corresponding to the other printing apparatus from the other printing apparatus via the printing apparatus communication unit,
generating a data format list including the received data format corresponding to the other printing apparatus and the received data format corresponding to the printing apparatus, and transmitting the generated data format list to the terminal apparatus via the printing apparatus communication unit,
receiving a plurality of print job data generated based on the data format list from the terminal device through the printing device communication unit,
storing the received plurality of print job data in the storage unit,
when the printing apparatus receives a print instruction from a user, the printing apparatus performs printing based on the print job data in the data format corresponding to the printing apparatus,
and transmitting the print job data in the data format corresponding to the other printing apparatus when the other printing apparatus accepts a print instruction from a user.
11. A terminal device comprises a terminal communication unit and a terminal control unit,
the terminal communication unit communicates with a first printing device that stores the received print job data and a second printing device that can receive the print job data stored by the first printing device from the first printing device,
the terminal control portion receives a data format list including a data format of the print job data corresponding to the first printing device and the data format corresponding to the second printing device from the first printing device through the terminal communication portion, and,
the data format of the plurality of print job data to be generated is determined based on the received data format list, the print job data is generated for each of the plurality of determined data formats, and the plurality of generated print job data is transmitted to the first printing apparatus via the terminal communication unit.
CN202110517603.9A 2020-05-15 2021-05-12 Printing system, printing device, and terminal device Active CN113676608B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2020085712A JP7415786B2 (en) 2020-05-15 2020-05-15 Printing system, printing method, printing device, and terminal device
JP2020-085712 2020-05-15

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CN113676608A CN113676608A (en) 2021-11-19
CN113676608B true CN113676608B (en) 2022-12-02

Family

ID=78511595

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CN202110517603.9A Active CN113676608B (en) 2020-05-15 2021-05-12 Printing system, printing device, and terminal device

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US11579817B2 (en)
JP (1) JP7415786B2 (en)
CN (1) CN113676608B (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102104701A (en) * 2009-12-17 2011-06-22 村田机械株式会社 Image forming device
EP2372524A2 (en) * 2010-03-30 2011-10-05 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Server
KR20150138797A (en) * 2014-06-02 2015-12-10 삼성전자주식회사 Image forming apparatus and method for controllng of printing
JP2018049435A (en) * 2016-09-21 2018-03-29 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Information processing device, pinter, conversion device, printing system and program

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6965450B2 (en) * 2001-03-19 2005-11-15 Xerox Corporation Method for imaging multiple sets of an electronic document on one or more image forming devices
JP4910798B2 (en) 2007-03-14 2012-04-04 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Print image data generation apparatus and print execution method
US8199348B2 (en) * 2008-11-03 2012-06-12 Sharp Laboratories Of America, Inc. Methods and systems for handling files for MFPS utilizing external services
JP5614017B2 (en) * 2009-09-14 2014-10-29 株式会社リコー Image forming apparatus, print job execution method, program, and storage medium
JP5236720B2 (en) * 2010-12-13 2013-07-17 シャープ株式会社 Information processing apparatus, image output system, image output support apparatus for image output system, program, and recording medium
JP5619649B2 (en) * 2011-02-17 2014-11-05 シャープ株式会社 Information processing apparatus, image output system, program, and recording medium
JP5344506B2 (en) 2011-06-30 2013-11-20 キヤノンマーケティングジャパン株式会社 The present invention relates to a printing system, an image forming apparatus, a processing method thereof, and a program.
JP6013310B2 (en) * 2013-11-29 2016-10-25 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 Peripheral equipment and data processing program
DE102014226625A1 (en) * 2014-10-31 2016-05-04 Cortado Ag Method for transmitting print data, server and mobile terminal
JP2016111461A (en) 2014-12-04 2016-06-20 シャープ株式会社 Printer and printing system
US9729735B2 (en) * 2015-08-21 2017-08-08 Xerox Corporation Intelligent pre-conversion of document formats for predicted printer selection
JP6824613B2 (en) 2016-03-08 2021-02-03 キヤノン株式会社 Printing device, control method of printing device, and program

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102104701A (en) * 2009-12-17 2011-06-22 村田机械株式会社 Image forming device
EP2372524A2 (en) * 2010-03-30 2011-10-05 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Server
KR20150138797A (en) * 2014-06-02 2015-12-10 삼성전자주식회사 Image forming apparatus and method for controllng of printing
JP2018049435A (en) * 2016-09-21 2018-03-29 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Information processing device, pinter, conversion device, printing system and program

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN113676608A (en) 2021-11-19
US11579817B2 (en) 2023-02-14
US20210357162A1 (en) 2021-11-18
JP7415786B2 (en) 2024-01-17
JP2021179881A (en) 2021-11-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP4690449B2 (en) Print control system, print control server, image forming apparatus, processing method thereof, and program
US8437024B2 (en) Print controlling system having usage restrictions for print data stored in a print managing server, print controlling method, and program
US20070002368A1 (en) System and method for sending a stored scanned job to printers or group of printers from a multi-function peripheral device
US8040547B2 (en) Image forming apparatus, printing system, printing method and program
KR100648926B1 (en) Image forming apparatus having function of embedding user identification information into scan data and method thereof
JPH11150559A (en) Information processing system and information processing method
CN113650425B (en) Printing system, printing apparatus, and server
CN113655971B (en) Printing system, printing device, and server
US20130027726A1 (en) Image forming apparatus, image processing system, and computer program product
US8493586B2 (en) Work flow system for deciding whether to execute the work flow based on function restriction information
CN113676608B (en) Printing system, printing device, and terminal device
KR20080030316A (en) Multi function peripheral and control method thereof
JP4298287B2 (en) Data processing apparatus, data processing method, and control program
US10766286B2 (en) Print control device, print control method, recording medium storing a print control program, and a printing system
KR100667346B1 (en) Printing system for separately storing image to be printed and method thereof
JP2011013837A (en) Print system and print controller
JP6083138B2 (en) Image forming system, image forming apparatus, storage device, control method thereof, and program
JP4279263B2 (en) File management system
JP2022103948A (en) Print management system, print management server, and printer
JP2023001485A (en) Information processing system, facsimile machine, and printing device
JP2023000502A (en) Information processing system, facsimile device, and information processing device
CN115857843A (en) Printing method, device, system, storage medium and electronic equipment
JP2018006840A (en) Information processing device, facsimile system, control method, and program
JP2008027085A (en) Image forming system, image forming apparatus, job management method and job management program

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PB01 Publication
PB01 Publication
SE01 Entry into force of request for substantive examination
SE01 Entry into force of request for substantive examination
GR01 Patent grant
GR01 Patent grant